goby

1 of 2

noun

go·​by ˈgō-bē 

plural gobies also goby

: any of numerous spiny-finned fishes (family Gobiidae) that usually have the pelvic fins united to form a ventral sucking disk

Illustration of goby

go by

2 of 2

verb

went by; gone by; going by; goes by

intransitive verb

: pass sense 3b

as time goes by

Examples of goby in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And the tidewater gobies did go to a nearby aquarium. —Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 May 2025

The ghost goby in particular, being partially translucent, can blend perfectly with surrounding coral. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

Verb

One story involved a few potential heirs apparent, including Superman’s clone Kon-El, who went by the name of Superboy. —Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 11 July 2025

Travelers with The Moorings can sail directly to Willy T by anchoring nearby and swimming or going by dinghy. —Caitlin Palumbo, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin gobius gudgeon, from Greek kōbios

First Known Use

Noun

1769, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1508, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

goby

noun

go·​by ˈgō-bē 

plural gobies also goby

: any of numerous spiny-finned fishes that often have the pelvic fins united to form a sucking disk